This auto-biographical account of Lawrence's life as he grew up is presented with well written prose, very vivid, I often felt as though I was watchinThis auto-biographical account of Lawrence's life as he grew up is presented with well written prose, very vivid, I often felt as though I was watching a movie as I read. We are offered a relevant message for men with strong mothers who are very nurturing and don't like competition for their son's love. I don't know if I'd put it in the Western Canon as did Bloom, but opinions vary. ...more

This second book which looks to be a running series, was not as good as the first which I could barely put down. But I'm hooked on the main character.This second book which looks to be a running series, was not as good as the first which I could barely put down. But I'm hooked on the main character. Livia Lone sets out to destroy trafficking networks that she herself experienced as a young child. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a good thriller its top shelf IMO....more

As things stand in today's world Ryan is creating great usable content, to help a person get better results in many areas of life. I read just about eAs things stand in today's world Ryan is creating great usable content, to help a person get better results in many areas of life. I read just about everything he writes, even when I don't fully agree, I know he is always at work pursuing a better way.

This book focuses more so on producing great product that will be on the shelf for eons of time. Very good insight, changed my thinking on many issues in how I run my business. If you are producing content, or products for the marketplace do yourself a favor and read this book. ...more

"When people cease to be people because they are, to us, merely representatives or mouthpieces of positions we want to eradicate, then we, in our zeal"When people cease to be people because they are, to us, merely representatives or mouthpieces of positions we want to eradicate, then we, in our zeal to win, have sacrificed empathy: we have declined the opportunity to understand other people's desires, principles, fears. And that is a great price to pay for supposed "victory" in debate." page 98

The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it was too short. I highly recommend you read this, unless you are perfect in every way, then you should read the book before you do anything else. ...more

"The Anglo-Persian Oil Company eventually became British Petroleum, it also paved the way for political turmoil. That the terms of the agreement hande"The Anglo-Persian Oil Company eventually became British Petroleum, it also paved the way for political turmoil. That the terms of the agreement handed control of Persia's crown jewels to foreign investors led to a deep and festering hatred of the outside world, which in turn led to nationalism and ultimately, to a more profound suspicion and rejection of the west, best epitomized in modern Islamic fundamentalism." page 320

The term revisionist history seems to be the others guys telling of the story, never your own. People naturally tend to stand behind their country, overlook the demons in their past, protect their pet beliefs in a countries innate goodness, but this book will help you see that things don't always happen like we've been told. The author doesn't protect cherished beliefs, he examines cause and effect, even when the effect might not line up with the 3x5 card of allowable opinion.

The story told here starts early in recorded history, building upon the development of cultures, the interaction between countries as they work their way out of poverty. We are shown how all of this developed into the making of the Silk Roads, or trade routes used to unite faraway lands in the east.

The book is excellent, a great historical overview of ancient economies, trade and conquest. This type of historical knowledge helps you adjust your understanding of the world today. Great place to start if your knowledge of the east is rudimentary. ...more

In this day and age, I can't think of another book that would be more relevant for more people. Our many shortfalls are revealed here, accounting forIn this day and age, I can't think of another book that would be more relevant for more people. Our many shortfalls are revealed here, accounting for numerous groups of people. Your worldview will be under examination, and because the author has our beliefs under a microscope in all sorts of ways you are bound to come away from this book with a better understanding of the moral psychology of the other side. In the US we are profoundly divided and that is not a good thing, this book systematically unveils the levels of discord, and how to understand fellow humans and deal with the differences in worldviews and assist in becoming more harmonious with others throughout your remaining years. I'am not an optimist on this subject, but sometimes when it all falls down the healing begins.

"Our Federal form of government, making every corporation created by a state foreign to every other state, renders it necessary for persons doing busi"Our Federal form of government, making every corporation created by a state foreign to every other state, renders it necessary for persons doing business through corporate agency to organize corporations in some or many of the different states in which their business is located. This handicap forced business leaders to devise cunning ways to circumvent laws and corrupt politicians and legislatures; much of Rockefeller's political cynicism issued from this source." pg 224

This book is an excellent read, a titan size glimpse into Americas richest man, a philanthropist that may never be equaled, one that gave a tremendous amount without having to parade his name around to get the notoriety at every turn.

A lot is said about these so called robber barons, but I cannot concede that point. He was a disciplined man, who took advantage of his own rigid personal economy and worked himself from a book keeper clerk, to the King of Kerosene and Oil. All the scapegoating he received seemed more to me to be either people with insufficient knowledge, crybabies, or those who weren't able to out maneuver JDR as he beat so many to the punch. I for one am glad to see this kind of dogged determination in a human, who offered products for cheaper, helped countless people, offered fair prices to buy people out, and was more gentlemanly in dealings than most would be.

This book of course covers everything from his youth to his death. The business building, the family, the friends and partners, the philanthropy. The wealth he obtained is staggering, but his use of it was perhaps more so. There is much more to admire than to ridicule from my point of view. He was a principled man of uncommon humility, thrift, and concentrated effort on all endeavors. Happy reading

"Churchill after a day of inspecting Montgomery's troops near Brighton, he repaired with Monty to the Royal Albion Hotel, where Churchill anticipated"Churchill after a day of inspecting Montgomery's troops near Brighton, he repaired with Monty to the Royal Albion Hotel, where Churchill anticipated a good whisky and cigar. Monty declined the libations, declaring that he neither drank nor smoked , and furthermore was 100 percent fit. Churchill rejoined that he both drank and smoked and was 200 percent fit." pg 522

It is amazing to read a 1000 page book and not wish it were over, a testament to a great writer, a great subject and events that forever changed the world.

This book covers the last 25 years of WSC's life. The introspection is grand, the pouring into every aspect of the Churchill's hand in the war effort, makes up the vast majority. The interesting thing is to read about these times from an English perspective, as I've read these events from American authors it shows how a person can value something or see things another way just because of who is involved and what side they are on. It makes history suspect, not on the events so much but on their interpretation. Manchester & Reid make it exciting, these three volumes are a great addition to the millions of words written about Sir Winston Churchill. The last Chapter of the book closes out WC's life, it is both amazing and sad, he lived a life few could parallel, he had a wit and intelligence few could exceed, his body and mind endured what his juniors could not, and he died with the reverence of millions of people across the world.

These set of books are a course in life, an education in war, politics, leadership, destitution and perseverance. A man History is unlikely to forget....more

"William James once wrote that men of genius differ from ordinary men, not in any innate quality of the brain, but in aims and purposes on which they"William James once wrote that men of genius differ from ordinary men, not in any innate quality of the brain, but in aims and purposes on which they concentrate, and in the degree of concentration which they manage to achieve. To concentrate on objectives for long periods of time without tiring.Churchill possessed this genius!" pg 203

Another great volume about one of life's great characters, this whole volume covers the buildup of two momentous events. WWII and Churchill's rise to Prime Minister.

I would advise everyone to read this. You may think you are tough and can handle yourself in a fight, but can you handle someone who is mentally prepaI would advise everyone to read this. You may think you are tough and can handle yourself in a fight, but can you handle someone who is mentally prepared to kill you. The book sets about describing the different types of violence, the appropriate mind set, and target points to attack. Mentally you must be prepared ahead of time, prepared to respond with violence that will not just daze your attacker but rather inflict trauma. I'm a former Marine and have a different mind set than most, this book reoriented me to a more appropriate mind set when faced with a life and death situation. I will certainly avoid altercation most times, its not worth the myriad of horrible outcomes, but if what is about to happen looks life threatening, I need to be ready with a plan that won't be fool hardy. I'm glad I read this book, I hope men and women will do themselves a favor and started thinking and planning just in case that day ever comes. I hate violence really, but life is too precious to give it over without a fight. ...more

Round 2, better than the first. Drink from Nabokov's fountain pen of brilliance, I wish the subject matter was different, but reading someone who canRound 2, better than the first. Drink from Nabokov's fountain pen of brilliance, I wish the subject matter was different, but reading someone who can use language with such extraordinary panache is quite thought provoking and serves as a guide for my own writing. ...more

"In Moscow, Stalin was receiving a British delegation lead by Lady Astor. He inquired about politicians in England. "Chamberlain," she said, "is the c"In Moscow, Stalin was receiving a British delegation lead by Lady Astor. He inquired about politicians in England. "Chamberlain," she said, "is the coming man." Stalin asked: "What about Churchill?" Her eyes widened. "Churchill?" she said. She gave a scornful little laugh and replied, "Oh he's finished. " page 833

There has been a tremendous amount written about Churchill and I'm a babe in those woods, I would say however that this was an exciting book, filled with a lot of anglo-info. I was unfamiliar with a lot of the information so I had to look up terms and people mentioned several times. This volume covers W.C.'s youth, familial relations, education, military service, rise in government, up through the early 1930's when the rise of Hitler was noticed by few, but a perceptive Winston Churchill had a good idea what was coming.

There will be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with British parliamentary system, but I would not steer away because of this. For all his faults on display, you cannot help being intrigued by this man, a man of immense talent and considerable grasp of most everything he set to know. I look forward to wading through volume 2 & 3....more

"one of the wise, practical people around the table told him to his face that a President shouldn't spend time and power on lost causes, no matter how"one of the wise, practical people around the table told him to his face that a President shouldn't spend time and power on lost causes, no matter how worthy those causes might be. "well, what the hell's the Presidency for?" LBJ replied. cited in introduction

Power, the end for which LBJ plays the game of politics. President is what he wanted from the beginning, he said he would be, when just a young boy. They laughed, they weren't laughing now.

This volume takes the reader through the introduction of John Kennedy as a candidate for President up till just before LBJ would run for President himself after taking over upon the death of JFK. The reader will have a great understanding of the politics, the personalities, the policies and the power that dominates the world of Washington D.C. One who knows nothing of this world may be in disbelief, one who has a good idea, may still stand in amazement, when you see what ambition and ego can do with power.

You don't only get a first class biography of LBJ, insight into the Kennedy's and the history of the time, but you see, if your mind is engaged, and your emotions kept in check, when the government tries to do good, it usually ends with poor execution, more debt, liberty gained for some at the expense of others, power of the state enlarged at the expense of the individual, enlarged bureaucracy and maybe the worst of all, a perpetual war footing.

Most were saying that LBJ did a great job taking over as President in a difficult situation, it was difficult you cannot deny, but LBJ was a master pragmatist, a great reader of men, a legend in the art of passing legislation, it is all on display for the reader. You can start here in the fourth of five volumes (five coming in the future) and still understand LBJ pretty well, as Caro reminisces through-out each volume to remind the reader of LBJ's character traits and flaws.

"To win the Presidential nomination, LBJ would have to become friendlier with the northern liberals, and his principle financiers, rabid reactionaries"To win the Presidential nomination, LBJ would have to become friendlier with the northern liberals, and his principle financiers, rabid reactionaries almost to a man, would not ordinarily tolerate that. But the natural gas bill could be the key to greater tolerance, for these Texas tycoons held huge natural gas reserves. As the astute Oltorf was to explain, "This (bill) transcended ideology. This would put something in their pocket. That's how they viewed politics. Any son of a bitch who makes me a million dollars can't be all bad. As long as you put dollars in their pockets, they'd forgive your ideology." page 616

This 3rd volume covers the life and times of LBJ in the senate. The reason for the volumes name is because he mastered the senate in ways no one in History had. He strategically worked his way into the hearts of older men throughout his life, men who could help him get power, and here he did it again, here he did it in ways that astounded his peers in the senate, even when he got them, they were at times amazed at his abilities, may even have been mad at him, but he didn't care as long as he got his way. Over and over the author plumbs the depths of this brilliant politician, one I don't like but one I can't deny was indeed brilliant, a master of whatever he wanted to be the master of.

A few minor irritations with redundancy, and touches of bias but overall it is hard to fault Caro on much. His style is quite enjoyable, and even though part of a set, you could pick up this volume and get useful glimpses of LBJ from the first two volumes. Masterfully done....more

" Explore an individual deeply enough, Emerson noted, and the truths about all individuals emerge. This is as true about campaigns as it is about men." Explore an individual deeply enough, Emerson noted, and the truths about all individuals emerge. This is as true about campaigns as it is about men. Study a particular election in sufficient depth - study not merely the candidates' platforms and philosophies and promises but its payoffs, study it in all it's brutality -focus deeply enough on all of these elements, and there will emerge universal truths about campaigns in a democracy, and about the nature of the power that shapes our lives." intro xxxi

Picking up from volume one this volume covers the period of 1941-1948. There is a recap here that covers the highlights of the first book and then digs into the Military service, the massive increase in personal wealth of LBJ, and the historic 1948 senate race between LBJ and Mr. Texas, Coke Stevenson. We also get a better glimpse at Lady Bird Johnson. She turned out to be vital to many things LBJ wanted to accomplish, perhaps not succeeding without her. This book instigated a desire to learn more about her.

The genius of Caro once again showers the reader with fascinating facts about this brilliant leader of men, master politician and unparalleled strategist. These stories of the future Presidents Senate race are extraordinary, and the author earns his accolades as he takes you along for the ride, down in the muck, there for the history, there for the excitement and overwhelmed by the madness! You may not have been alive to witness actual events but you'll feel like you did after finishing. This book, along with the first volume are the luminous storytelling of a watershed moment in American Politics. I'm excited to read the third and fourth volume, which hopefully says something about the quality of these books. READ HISTORY!!!

" In following the life of LBJ there is a hunger for power in its most naked form, for power not to improve the lives of others, but to manipulate and" In following the life of LBJ there is a hunger for power in its most naked form, for power not to improve the lives of others, but to manipulate and dominate them, to bend them to his will. For the more one learns -from his family, his childhood playmates, his college classmates, his first assistants, his congressional colleagues, the more it becomes apparent not only that this hunger was a constant throughout his life but that it was a hunger so fierce and consuming that no consideration of morality or ethics, no cost to himself-or to anyone else- could stand before it." introduction xix

This the first of 4 volumes (rumors of a fifth swirl) on Lyndon Baines Johnson our 36th President, covering the time of his youth, growing up in the Hill Country of Texas until just after FDR dies and LBJ brings a new look to his brand of politics.

This is well written history, from a master story teller, and a story that I was often in a trance reading, there was so much of this volume that simply held my attention like few books have. The amount of work done to capture the truest story of this brilliant politician is staggering, the truth when it can't be known for sure is not fudged, Caro is a straight shooter, LBJ... not so much!

This volume takes the reader through the brilliant transformations of a man who didn't have much, but what he did have was a knack for using people like pieces on a chessboard, and LBJ was 14 moves ahead at all times. This ability in almost every deed he did, allowed him to climb each rung of the ladder with relative surety. This book takes you through each event and in detail, getting a better understanding of how one man can amass so much influence and power. For history buffs or Political Science majors this is a must read. I can only hope the other books in the series are as good or better....more

My first Lee Child, fits my criteria for a 4 star novel, thrilling enough to read 50+ pages in a single sitting. The story grabs you with an uncommonMy first Lee Child, fits my criteria for a 4 star novel, thrilling enough to read 50+ pages in a single sitting. The story grabs you with an uncommon story line, brutal characters, many moments of the book you are caught up in the excitement other moments get bogged down with wordiness. Like a good thriller it strings you along, giving up is hard and ultimately worth reading till the end. Good enough writing and story for me to explore more. Though I can't help imagining Tom Cruise on every page. ...more

"The United States pioneered higher education for women, and by 1880 one third of all american students enrolled in higher education were female, a pe"The United States pioneered higher education for women, and by 1880 one third of all american students enrolled in higher education were female, a percentage without parallel elsewhere in the world... No better example of American exceptionalism exists than higher education for women. Through the efforts of Christian missionaries, the American example of higher education for women has influenced many other countries." pg 464

The period covered by this book wraps up the Madison Presidency and gets the readers through to Zachary Taylor. Through the lives of these Presidents it underscores the movement of the United States through the various issues of Indian Removal, Central Banking, Presidential misconduct, the expansion of slavery into new states, the Battle of New Orleans, the Mexican War, extensive focus on the Andrew Jackson & James Polk Presidency, the religious movements, gold rush, the movement of women toward a more influential role in society, development of transportation and communication, downturns and upturns in the economy, and of course, the turmoil inside the government between the differing factions. Showing the world how far we have come in 200 years; that was sarcasm!

The final chapter of the book deals with America's response to the revolutions in Europe, the treaty with Mexico after the war, the nativist uprising with immigration from the potato famine in Ireland ending with coverage of the election of Zachary Taylor. This volume also adds a nice Finale that includes some interesting points on the women's movement as well the growth of American democracy.

This volume from Oxford is quite good, it fills in a lot of vital information for understanding today better. If there was one summary point it would surely be: READ HISTORY it is medicine for self pity....more

The book offers the reader many avenues of thought to entertain. It traces our ancestry from the beginning with the prevailing opinion on origins, heThe book offers the reader many avenues of thought to entertain. It traces our ancestry from the beginning with the prevailing opinion on origins, he clearly shows his biases through-out. There are some great points made, and some shallow assumptions as well. It's probable that the further from religion you are you will find it quite enjoyable, but those who like to dig will take issue to be sure. I was hoping for more based on the hype but I felt it fell a bit short for a PHD from Oxford....more

Helpful information to dig deeper into the world of Ishmael and Ahab. If you don't want to know the ending of MD then skip the last three chapters ofHelpful information to dig deeper into the world of Ishmael and Ahab. If you don't want to know the ending of MD then skip the last three chapters of this book, but of course it gives away some of the story anyway. If you think you'll read MD multiple times its worth reading ahead of time, I read the first half before and then read the whole thing again after I finished Moby Dick. ...more

The first half of the book covers the perilous economic times of the Great depression, digging i"The truth deserves a bodyguard of lies" W. Churchill

The first half of the book covers the perilous economic times of the Great depression, digging into the causes for the Stock Market crash, bank failures, FED Reserve failures and then the trail of misery that came after. Covered here is the Hoover to FDR transition from big government to bigger government. The New Deal for a country of people out of work and starving, losing hope and confused by the change from prosperity to poverty virtually overnight...was capitalism a failed system? Was government intervention the answer to hard times? I guess if you don't look at evidence from other depressions in history that were turned around quickly you might think so. FDR and his gang liked the John Maynard Keynes way, get the Federal government to spend lots of money to help the situation. The outcome may seem to many to be good, defining good is the hurdle. The good (winning the war), bad and ugly (most everything else) all happened from 1929-1945 and FDR presided over most of it, things never really got better because of government programs, the war got people working, but one could argue that making stuff so you can destroy it is not the way to prosperity. Economists come down on both sides. Me thinks its like giving your kid a credit card with a million dollar limit and bragging that your kid is a millionaire.

The second half of the book is taken up with World War II. We were largely "isolationist" when it came to involvement without provocation. Then came the provocation from Japan...The book takes the reader through America's interconnected relationships with our allies, the plans, the battles, the players, and the horrors of war. There is not much here that will surprise the avid reader of History, but as with the others in the series it is great for a solid foundation. ...more

"Since power is of an encroaching nature, Madison warned, "all men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree." One can argue that honest"Since power is of an encroaching nature, Madison warned, "all men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree." One can argue that honesty is the best policy or that considerations of reputation and religion ought to make officials behave virtuously, but experience shows that they don't - and they especially don't in large groups like legislatures, where "passion never fails to wrest the sceptre from reason." pg 338

The beauty of this book is that Magnet let the founders speak for themselves a lot. The book flows smoothly, adding to my knowledge of these men and the influence they had in the formation of our country. In addition to this it discusses their homes architecture, furnishings and summary history of the home.

The men covered are William Livingston, Richard Henry, Arthur, and Lighthorse Harry Lee (Brothers) George Washington, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

We can find things to dislike about almost any one, there are hysterical people who cannot see the forest for trees when it comes to the founding generation. These would be the same people who would say don't judge if you pointed out something about them you didn't like. We must realize, as the book says in the introduction, that ours was the most successful of all the great revolutions, resulting in 2 centuries of freedom and prosperity. Very enjoyable read.

I struggled with this work of Jane Austen, I liked the first and later third of the story, Jane is never lacking in skill, but the intersection of chaI struggled with this work of Jane Austen, I liked the first and later third of the story, Jane is never lacking in skill, but the intersection of characters and flowery language in parts irritated me. Overall it was a beautifully written, aside from the parts I disliked of course but Pride and Prejudice remains in first place for me. ...more

"World War II had demonstrated the "moral and practical bankruptcy of all forms of isolationism," Henry Luce proclaimed in 1941. It was America's "man"World War II had demonstrated the "moral and practical bankruptcy of all forms of isolationism," Henry Luce proclaimed in 1941. It was America's "manifest destiny" to be "the Good Samaritan of the entire world." At war's end, the New Republic spoke for much of the nation's intellectual elite in calling Washington "the newly created World-Capital-on-the-Potomac" and proclaiming America's destiny to reorder a world destroyed. On the day of victory, according to Churchill, the United States stood "at the summit of the world." pg 594

The book covers policy dealings with foreign countries from 1776 until the final years of G.W. Bush. You really need to love history and wonkish politics to tackle this beast. For the most part each chapter covers a President and his state. dept heads dealings with foreign policy issues or their creation of problems with foreign nations. The outcomes of treaties, the wars started and averted, how good/bad relationships are formulated between heads of states. Prepare for your favorite President to take a hit, we like to think we used to mind our own business, still not sure what day that was.

The entanglements are many, the outcomes seldom work out without a hitch. There is much to frustrate the reader no matter your ideology, but if you want a history lesson you can't go wrong here....more

This is a valuable addition to the conversation of health and nutrition. Our bodies are amazing and the run better when we avoid certain things and coThis is a valuable addition to the conversation of health and nutrition. Our bodies are amazing and the run better when we avoid certain things and consume others that enhance our bodies ability to heal itself. The book addresses a lot of different content you may not have thought about, I was pleasantly surprised because I read a lot in this area that I learned quite a few things. The information is packed in, and a weeks worth of meals listed to get you started to changing what you don't like. There is a physical and emotional piece to book which will be helpful for those who have been unhealthy for long periods. ...more

Prof. Snyder gives the reader twenty lessons for keeping alert to encroaching tyranny. He has looked at things done in fascist dictatorships and breaks down in a succinct way how the people were manipulated. He draws a lot on the Trump Presidency, it seems he's not a fan and is worried that some of the signs he saw in Trumps speeches could be similar to those of Hitlers Nazi start-up. Maybe going a bit far but either way it never hurts to be vigilant. Great kindle book at $2.99....more

Lying is a dangerous game, say Mr. Harris, it has become all to prevalent in society. We all do it, for what ever reason we excuse it, lies fly off thLying is a dangerous game, say Mr. Harris, it has become all to prevalent in society. We all do it, for what ever reason we excuse it, lies fly off the lips with ease, our consciences are seared and it is a terrible direction for a society to head. This is a small book, with a big message, one to not over look because you think you have no problem with this. To be a better person this is a foundational element. Can be read in a couple hours....more

"Mr. President, I have a cause for grievance." "Yes" "This morning I went to Colonel Sherman and he threatened to shoot me." Lincoln tipped his head,"Mr. President, I have a cause for grievance." "Yes" "This morning I went to Colonel Sherman and he threatened to shoot me." Lincoln tipped his head, puzzled. Unwilling to get in the middle of a spat between officers, he threw off a joke, with some truth to it. "If I were you, and he threatened to shoot, I would trust him." Meagher was speechless. Still, the 69th was mustered out of duty a few days later, free to return home, as the Irish Captain had requested. Lincoln would remember Thomas Francis Meagher. pg 188

Reading Battle Cry of Freedom a months ago I found that in 800+ pages he mentions Meagher only once and its just to list the foreign born men that fought in the Civil War that were rewarded with the rank of General. No other information given about this figure. Reading the Immortal Irishman you can't help wishing you knew this man, he surely comes off in this book as larger than life. I certainly wouldn't say he was to be in the company of Lee, Sherman, Grant or McClellan but he wasn't an actor in the civil war that we should be unaware of either.

If you have never heard of Thomas Meagher and want to read some very interesting history of Ireland during the early 1800's, though shallow to a degree, if you want to read a great small biography about a man with impeccable skills of oratory and leadership, and brush up on some civil war history, pick up this tale of an Immortal Irishman, brave and tireless, a man praised by Lincoln, loved by many an Irishman, a man who carried the day on many occasion, a fast moving, well written and fun work of History. My first Egan book will not be my last. READ HISTORY...more

A must read classic. Oh the breathtaking mind of Dumas. It is wise to jot down the characters and a bit about them. Its a long involved story so it'llA must read classic. Oh the breathtaking mind of Dumas. It is wise to jot down the characters and a bit about them. Its a long involved story so it'll help your understanding. Patience is rewarded....more

"This, I decided, this is what sports are, what they can do. Like books, sports give people a sense of having lived other lives, in taking part of oth"This, I decided, this is what sports are, what they can do. Like books, sports give people a sense of having lived other lives, in taking part of other people's victories. And defeats. When sports are at their best, the spirit of the fan merges with the spirit of the athlete, and in that convergence, in that transference, is the oneness that the mystics talk about." pg 212

Fantastic book, the flight of a entrepreneur, a competitor, a winner. From the early years of the 60's when the company was called Blue Ribbon, Knight takes the reader through the birth, the vision, the wins & losses, the never die attitude and battles of a war without bullets. (his term).

I put off reading this because I thought it might just be a brag fest, it was far from that. Phil Knight, with help from his wife, very loyal friends and workers, changed the shoe & apparel industry like none other, they put together a road map for survivors, for those who want it and are unsure why they should fight to get and keep it. When he says that the art of competition is the art of forgetting, you can see that philosophy play out in his business and in being a human. This is one of those rare books that I think most people will enjoy. Highly recommended....more